Dana Ferrell

On a scale of “Strongly Agree” (5) to “Strongly Disagree,” (1) rank your position on the following statements: 

Vaccines are safe: 4
Vaccines are effective at preventing disease: 4
Keeping children safe is a shared responsibility: 5

What is your position on West Virginia’s current school vaccine requirements (which allow only medical exemptions)? 

Maintain current requirements

In your view, what role should the state play in ensuring access to vaccines—especially in rural or underserved communities? 

State role in ensuring vaccine access, especially in rural or underserved communities

Communicate and coordinate with rural health providers to insure access is available.

Which of the following best reflects your understanding? 

Vaccines primarily protect the individual receiving them
Vaccines help protect both individuals and the broader community
Vaccination is largely a personal decision with limited community impact
Vaccination is a personal decision regardless of community impact 

If a preventable disease outbreak (such as measles) occurred in your district, what actions—if any—would you take as a policymaker (e.g., make a statement regarding safety, coordinate with public health officials, take policy actions, encourage vaccination, etc.

I would encourage constituents to consult and follow the directions of their health provider.

Is there anything else you would like West Virginia voters to know about your approach to public health, community wellbeing, and/or vaccines?

My understanding is every statewide poll regarding the issue shows and overwhelming number of West Virginia citizens favor keeping current vaccine policy and law in place.